Vehicle Class:
Grand Tourer (GT)
Aston Martin Positioning:
Luxury, High-performance GT, handcrafted British sports car.
Primary Competitors:
Ferrari 456/599 GTB, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 (997 generation), Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 and V12 engines, luxurious interior, advanced bonded aluminum structure (VH platform).
Manual Purpose:
To provide comprehensive repair and maintenance guidance for Aston Martin DB9 owners and technicians, enabling informed decision-making for vehicle upkeep.
Engine:
V8 Vantages, V12 Engine (AM11, AM21, AM28, etc.), engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control.
Transmission:
ZF 6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 6HP26), clutch, torque converter, electronic control unit, gearbox disassembly and assembly.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, differential, driveshafts, propshaft, axle assembly.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, control arms, springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, steering rack, geometry adjustments.
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), brake calipers, discs, pads, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering wheel controls, alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instruments, body control module (BCM), infotainment system, navigation, climate control, power windows, seats, mirrors.
Bodywork:
Body and chassis construction, doors, hood, trunk, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, airbags, structural repair.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, heater core, climate control unit.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, impact sensors, SRS module.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common symptom analysis, electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for dismantling and reassembling various vehicle components and systems.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Procedures for cleaning parts during overhaul and proper reinstallation techniques.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8 and V12
V8 Engine Code:
Could refer to Jaguar AJ-V8 derived engines, though Aston Martin adapted them. Specific Aston Martin codes are more relevant.
V12 Engine Code:
Aston Martin AM04/AM07 (based on Ford's Duratec V12, heavily modified by Cosworth/Aston Martin).
V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 450 hp (for early models).
V8 Torque:
Approximately 400 lb-ft (for early models).
V12 Horsepower:
Approximately 470 hp to 510 hp depending on year/variant.
V12 Torque:
Approximately 420 lb-ft to 457 lb-ft depending on year/variant.
Bore X Stroke V8:
Refer to specific engine variant (e.g., Jaguar AJ-V8).
Bore X Stroke V12:
Refer to Aston Martin AM04/AM07 specifications.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) on later variations, electronic fuel pump.
ECU:
Bosch Motronic or similar advanced engine control units.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Aston Martin specific or equivalent specification).
Transmission Type:
ZF 6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 6HP26).
Manual Option:
No manual transmission offered on DB9 in this period.
Shift Modes:
Sport mode, paddle shifters or selector lever control, adaptive shift logic.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific ZF LifeguardFluid 6 or equivalent (e.g., Shell ATF M-1375.4).
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Refer to manual, typically around 8-10 liters for a drain and fill.
Length:
Approx. 4,742 mm (186.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,863 mm (73.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,275 mm (50.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,740 mm (107.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,775 - 1,860 kg (3,913 - 4,100 lbs) depending on configuration.
Crash Test Results:
As a low-volume manufacturer, official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings might be limited; however, designed to meet global safety standards.
Traction Control:
Yes, Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Yes, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
ABS:
Yes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Yes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on specification).
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning seat belts with load limiters.
Head Unit:
Aston Martin Premium Audio System, typically by Linn or Bang & Olufsen on later models, with integrated navigation.
Connectivity:
CD player, AM/FM radio, optional iPod integration, Bluetooth for hands-free calling (depending on model year and options).
Parking Aids:
Rear parking sensors, sometimes front parking sensors on later models.
Seating:
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory, heated seats.
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically annually or every 10,000 miles (16,000 km), whichever comes first. Always consult manual for specific conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Scheduled around 3 years or 30,000 miles for comprehensive checks, fluid changes, and inspections.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic engine oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 meeting Aston Martin specifications (e.g., API SM or SN).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual, typically around 8-10 liters for V8 and 10-12 liters for V12.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
Aston Martin specified coolant (e.g., pink OAT coolant) or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, exhaust components, clutch wear (if applicable, though DB9 is auto), ignition coils, fuel pumps, sensors.
Vh Platform Specifics:
Potential issues related to aluminum bonding, door seals, and electronic control module reliability can arise over time, requiring specialized attention.
Infotainment Reliability:
Early infotainment systems can experience glitches or failures, requiring software updates or module replacement.
Door Mechanism Issues:
Vertical 'swan wing' door mechanisms can require adjustment or service due to their complexity.
Aston Martin Legacy:
Founded in 1913, renowned for elegant, powerful, and luxurious sports cars, often associated with James Bond.
Db Series Lineage:
Successor to the DB7, carrying the distinguished DB (David Brown) naming convention, representing a significant step forward in technology and design.
Vh Platform Introduction:
First model to utilize the new VH (Vertical/Horizontal) bonded aluminum architecture, offering increased rigidity and lighter weight.
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom.
Production Numbers:
Produced in limited numbers, contributing to its exclusivity and desirability.
